In a vast majority of schools, the apprenticeship route can often be seen as “second best”. Even before the pandemic, many Teaching Assistants were not aware that it is possible to achieve training through an apprenticeship route while earning on the job.
While apprenticeships are beneficial in terms of reducing skill shortages and customising knowledge to specific job role, they also give people an opportunity to increase their skills in paid employment. Within the public sector, schools are included in the Government drive to employ apprentices, which helps the displacement of teaching staff entitling them an offset allowance.
We are fortunate to have a wealth of talent in our schools, teachers and students. But we are being held back by the lack of understanding the opportunities provided for us. when schools are empowered to promote them, we will know we are on our way to becoming a global force.
